The Hoxton | Announced the Grand Opening of its Second Stylish Italian Hotel in Florence

 The Hoxton, British hotel chain part of Accor’s Ennismore lifestyle hospitality group founded as a brand in 2006 by Sinclair Beecham, co - founder of Pret A Manger and headquartered in Southwark, London, England, UK, announced the grand opening of its second stylish Italian hotel, in Florence, capital and largest city of the beautiful Tuscany region, well known cradle of the iconic Renaissance, a periperiod of European cultural and artistic “rebirth” from the 14th to 17th centuries. 

The Hoxton, Florence is the brand’s second hotel in Italy, following the launch of The Hoxton, Rome in 2021, a hotels brand concept revolves around being “open house” hotels rooted in culture and community, reflecting the diversity and orginality of their surroundings, and serving as both a destination for guests and locals, authentic hospitality jewels designed to create memorable and authentic experiences.

The hotel is located in the historic Florentine city centre, near Piazza delle Libertà, famous square situated at the northermost point of the old city walls, beating heart of the Tuscan city adorned with beautiful porticos that gives it both lightness and elegance, a short distance from the iconic  “Duomo” the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, famed Santa Maria Novella Church and not far from  the emblematic Piazza della Signoria with the adjacent the Uffizi Gallery, a prominent museum boasting incomparable collections containing great masterpieces by renowned artists.

This very stylish property is a late - Renaissance Palazzo featuring its original façade and a 1980s Andrea Branzi - designed structure, with a timber façade and a minimalist, linear design reflecting the artistic profile and traditional style of many Florentine palaces and noble residences erected in the four historic districts such as San Giovanni, Santo Spirito, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella.

AIME Studios, award - winning in - house design studio covers graphics, brand and interiors together telling authentic stories that continues to define the design identity of dozen hospitality brands oversaw the design and interiors preserving the classic Renaissance, Florentine elements, such as an outdoor arcade encircling the courtyard, lime - washed walls and original frescoes dating to 1611.

The Hoxton, Florence is developed across two buildings featuring a blend of bold patterns and finishes reminiscent the most charming and classy Medici’s era palaces, boasting a captivating mix of vibrant colours featuring 161 elegant and comfortable Renaissance - inspired rooms created with a vibrant style blending history and modernity. 

The property features amenities like Alassio Restaurant, serving Mediterranean dishes and classic Italian comfort food, Enoteca Violetta, a casual wine bar that also serves snacks, an expansive courtyard, dedicated event spaces, a self - contained three - bedroom apartment with its own private entrance and living space.

A great highlight of the hotel is undoubtedly Hox Gallery, a stylish and refined space in the lobby, accurately designed to showcase the work of emerging artists, and pet beds, bowls and treats for four – legged guests. 

Links -  https://thehoxton.com/italy/florence/
https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Hoxton-opens-its-second-hotel-in-ItalygAw2nVEaArQsEALw_wcB

The Newman Hotel | Ready for its Grand Debut this Summer in Central London, England, UK

The Newman Hotel, the first property from international hospitality management Kinsfolk & Co, based in London, group delivering sustainable returns for people for place and for investors with services comprises, Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, Luxury Apartments, Asset Management, Advisory and Concept Creation is ready for its grand debut this summer in Central London, England, UK.

This boutique luxury hotel is located at 50 Newman Street in Fitzrovia, a very captivating district near the West End with its eastern part in the London Borough of Camden and the western in the City of Westminster. 

Fitzrovia is like creative village in the heart of the British capital highlighted by a diverse residential area where grand 18th – and 19th century apartment buildings sit side by side with social housing,old - school pubs, galleries, cozy cafes and lively bistros, a little bohemian, a little eclectic,very inspiring and captivating for its unique atmosphere also highlighted by its diverse mix of residents, including creatives, affirmed managers, young professionals and students. 

The property gtotally fits with the spirit and essence of  the neighborhood connecting and contributing to this local community, operating conscientiously to always add and never detract, living its day by day between the bustling Goodge Street and the vibrant Charing Cross Road, not far from the elegant Regent Street and where in its proximity the style of Leicester Square and the anti - conformist Soho meet the culture of Bloomsbury and the artsy atmosphere of Russel Square adjacent to the iconic British Museum but eternally keeping its own identity.

The hotel was designed by London - based Pernille Lind and Richy Almond of Lind + Almond, ambitious architecture studio specialising in interior design, product design and branding, premium hospitality and residential design, characterized by talent and imagination to create captivating details, bringing warmth to spaces and developing stunning, artistic blends.

The architecture and design studio developed an attractive mix of Art Deco and Victorian elements, and to pay homage to Fitzrovia and its soul it added images of Nancy Cunard, a famed Londoner, bohemian poet, writer, heiress and political activist of the 1920s and photographs of locals from Fitzrovia neighborhood.

The property offers, 81 stylish and comfortable guestrooms, studios, suites and apartments inspired by the cultural essence and spirit of London featuring contemporary wood and custom tiles and refined stone - carved vanities in the bathrooms and as great highlight is undoubtedly the Penthouse Suite, boasting a private terrace with views of the city skyline.

Other amenities include the Brasserie Adeline, open from breakfast through late - evening dining, the Gambit Bar, accurately designed to evoke the spirit of a hidden den, the Wellness Floor, with a salt room, hydrotherapy pool, and hot/cold experience cabins, fitness activities ranging from meditation and yoga and a fully equipped gym with personal training.

Links
https://thenewman.com/
https://preferredhotels.com/hotels/united-kingdom/newman

Playa de Varadero, Cuba | Recognized as one of the Best Beaches in the World at Tripdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025

Playa de Varadero, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island of Cuba, was recognized again as one of the best beaches in the world at Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The stunning beach of the Cuban tourist hub of Varadero, a famed resort town  and one of the largest tourist areas in the Caribbean region in the province of Matanzas situated on the Hicacos Peninsula between the Bay of Cárdenas and the Strait of Florida, 140 kilometres east of the capital of the country Havana, at the eastern end of the Via Blanca highway, was selected among the 25 best beaches in the globe by the Tripadvisor platform which includes in its special framework the most distinguished destinations, hotels, restaurants and attractions in the world.

Although it is known popularly as Playa de Varadero or Playa Azul a 20.0 kilometres long beach on the sinuous Peninsula of Hicacos, the beach is made up of six different beaches including La Alameda, Rincón Francés and Varadero which is the most extensive with 10.8 kilometres and another three less extensive beaches, all them separated by rocky small rocky jetties.

Its incredible fine sand beach and warm, crystal - clear waters making it an icon of Cuba, frequently visible in promotion, international tourist campaigns, special trailers and TV spots, an ideal destination for couples, families, group of friends and solo travellers and for beach soccer and beach volley lovers.

Playa Varadero is an ideal place also for a multitude of water activities such as jet skiing, fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving, the natural richness of its sea beds is absolutely stunning, offering unique opportunities to discover an infinite number of colourful fishes, various species of crustaceans and corals.

Tripadvisor’s own 2025 ranking pointed out that Playa Varadero has everything you would expect from a dream beach : Golden sand, turquoise blue waters, and stunning sunsets. Hop on a catamaran, go fishing, play a game of beach volleyball, walk along the shore, there’ plenty to do.Or just relax and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, you won’t go wrong.

Cuba Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, has confirmed that Varadero was positioned number 6 among the 25 best beaches in the world, undoubtedly a great achievement of a wonder in the Caribbean which continues to bewitch for its unique beauty a multitude of travellers. 

Link - https://www.directoriocubano.info/actualidad/playa-cubana-de-varadero-elegida-como-una-de-las-mejores-del-mundo-segun-tripadvisor/

Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates | Future Launch of the World’s Largest Drone Light Show to Elevate the Cultural and Technological Narrative

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a T - shaped island  sits off mainland central West Coast of the Persian Gulf boasting a strong economy focusing oil export, trade, commerce and shopping reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacenters, will be a pioneer in the future launch of the World’s largest drone light world with the aim to elevate the cultural and technological narrative.

The Crown Prince amd Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyad, has witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement of this futuristic development between the DCT Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism of the city and emirate and Nova Sky Stories, global leader of premier drone light show enterntainment headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, U.S. characterized by its mission to bring awe to live audiences around the world also in collaboration with Abu Dhabi - based Analog, a  leading company, provider of edge computing solutions through the use of smart sensors and mixed reality devices specialising in physical intelligence.

Through this multi – year collaboration agreement with pioneering initiative that will integrate cutting -  edge drone technology into immersive storytelling at scale, Abu Dhabi further consolidate its position as a relevant global hub for innovation in culture and entertainment.

 Powered by real - time synchronization and adaptive intelligence, these dynamic drone dormations will reimagine the possibilities of live entertainment, turning Abu Dhabi’s skyline into an evolving canvas for innovation.

 The innovative drone - synchronised performances will create artistic narrative across multiple iconic locations, interwinding the emirate and city’s heritage and dynamic future unveiling the world’s most advanced fleet of 10.000 light show drones, a first - of - its - kind initiative in the region, combining the most advanced drone technology and storytelling creations to create a unique, immersive experience

The Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, explained that by leveraging innovative technologies, it is possible to find new and immersive ways to share the common vision and the culture with the world.

At the intersection of creativity and entertainment, this partnership with Nova Sky and Analog will challenge  convention, raising the bar for what residents and visitors can experience and this visual spectacles will reinforce Abi Dhabi’s leading position in entertainment innovation offering unforgettable experiences for all.

The CEO and co – founder of Nova Sky Stories, Kimbal Musk, expressed his enthusiasm to be part of this collaboration, with DCT Abu Shabi, highlighting this pioneering initiative elevating the capital of the United Arab Emirates at the forefront of innovatiom and will hve the world’s of state - of - the - art lightweight drones for storytelling and entertainment.

Nova Sky Stories enables the world’s most outstanding artists and musician to take their art in the sky, and the company can’t wait to show the world what’s possible with a fleet of this size.

The founder and CEO of Analog, Alex Kipman, said that Abu Dhabi skyline will become a dynamic canvas for storytelling, the group is painting holographic stories in the sky, merging tradition with cutting - edge technologies so that the audience can feel that spark of wonder’s only possible when the imagination meets reality.

At Analog exists the philosophy and the concepts to create new realities, and in collaboration with Nova Sky Stories and Abu Dhabi’s heritage will be set the standard for immersive experiences around the world.

Link
https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/abu-dhabi-to-introduce-the-worlds-largest-drone-light-show-elevating-cultural-and-technological-storytelling-302398867.html

Sitka, Alaska, U.S. | Residents Will Decide in a Referendum Whether to Limit Cruise Traffic

Sitka, an unified city - borough in the southeast portion of the U.S, state of Alaska near the capital Juneau, will see its residents to vote in a referendum whether to limit cruise traffic to its port.

The centre formerly known as "Novo - Arkhangelsk" New Archangel, was a Russian town until 18th Ocotber 1867 when a ceremony marked the transfer of power between the Russian and American administrations took place, following the purchase of the Alaskan territory by the United States.

The name Sitka means "People on the Outside of Baranof Island" directly linked to its geographical position, a centre highlighted by an incredible scenery, abundant wildlife, a favourite destination for fishing and hiking lovers, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage of its community will see its residents to vote in a referendum which will change or not the future of the largest centre by total area in the U.S.

The referendum is scheduled for 30th May 2025 and the residents will vote to decide whether to cap or not cruise passengers, in a destination that receives 4.500 cruisers a day and 300.000 per year.

According to data provided by Small Town Soul, an advocacy group promoting responsible management of tourism to restore the quality of life of the Alaskan centre, Sitka’s cruise traffic reached a high of 289.753 cruisers before the pandemic, in 2022 there was a notable increase, the number climbed to 383.000 passengers and in 2023 to 585.000.

Sitka’ s municipal clerk certified a petition for referendum from Small Town Soul four times before the last one was successful and after that, Sitka’s assembly discussed the ballot measures at a special meeting which took place on 18th March 2025.

 If the limit cruise traffic will be approved would go into effect in 2026 and also port calls would be limited to six days per week.

Link - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Sitka-vote-limit-cruise-visitors

Paris, France | The Centre Pompidou to Close for 5 Years, and is Experiencing Crowds of Visitors

The Centre Pompidou, the "Centre national d’art er de culture Georges - Pompidou", located in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement of Paris, lively and captivating urban space situated on the right bank of the Seine River between Le Louvre and the Palais Royal on its western side and the Marais on its eastern side, officially opened on 31st January 1977 will close for 5 year for a major renovation and before its five - year closure is experiencing crowds of visitors.

The total closure of the prestigious Parisian Museum of Modern Art  at the Centre Pompidou which also includes a music research unit and a library will take place on 22nd September 2025 and French tourists and visitors are flocking to this famous centre of art to take one last look at its prestigious collection.

With 3.2 million of visitors in 2024, the Centre Pompidou is one of the most popular Parisian museums, behind the Louvre and the Musée d’ Orsay in terms of visits and it takes its name from Georges Pompidou, president of France between 1969 and 1974.

The removal of the works is underway, the collection of 2.000 pieces, exhibited on the fourth and fifth floors of the the Parisian museum and artworks will be temporarily housed in museums and galleries across France, and other countries.

The renovation of the building, known for its postmoderne/high tech architecture, a glass and metal structure bathed in light, envisioned by two famed architects such as Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers and highlighted by its colourful ventilation pipes and ducts decorating the façade will have a cost of  €262 million.

The work includes the removal of asbestos from the complex and before the total closure which will take place on 22nd September 2025, with a free admission for the final weekend, visitors can enjoy a final visit saying see you in five years.

Link - https://www.ticinonews.ch/magazine/il-centre-pompidou-chiude-per-5-anni-folla-di-visitatori-408844

San Antonio, Peru | Inaugurated an Imposing Tourist Viewpoint Along the South Pan - American Highway

San Antonio, one of the 16 districts that make up the province of Cañete, one of the nine provinces that make up the department of Lima, on the central coast of Peru, 70 kilometres south of the Peruvian capital located at kilometre 81 of the "Panamericana Sur", a portion of the Pan - American Highway, a vast network of roads that stretches approximately 30.000 kilometres from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in the northermost part of North America, to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America inaugurated an imposing 20 - metre tourist viewpoint in homage to its Patron Saint,  San Antonio de Padua and to enhance tourism in the region.

The inauguration event brought together various local, regional and national authorities. Among the attendees were the Regional Governor of Lima Provinces and godmother of the work Rosa Vásquez Cuadrado, Luis Torres representing Raúl Diez Canseco Terry, founder president of the USIL Educational Corporation and sponsor of the project, and district mayors of the province of Cañete also participated. 

The work includes a panoramic viewpoint, a cultural centre, recreational areas, trails, green areas and an interactive interpretation centre that highlights the main tourist attractions of the district, with inclusive access and modern services.

On the top of the high hill Cerro Mirador was placed the sculpture of San Antonio de Padua symbolizes the faith and spirituality of the community and the inauguration was held within the framework 102nd  anniversary, with the purpose of strengthening its identity and promoting cultural and spiritual tourism in the region. 

The site offers a unique, panoramic view of the valley and of the region, consolidating itsels as a tourist attraction of great impact with the presence of the San Antonio de Padua Recreational and Cultural Center, a space that with its development fuse history, nature and culture represents a symbol and hub of the community.

The local territory offers several tourist attractions such as the Incahausi archaeological site, Azpitia, a place where trekking, adventure and sports are practised by many people, the Cerro Azul Spa and its pisco and wine cellars especially in San Vicente, the fertile Chilca Valley with an important history with farmers linked to pre - Inca times and its stunning beaches such as Playa Cerro Azul,  Playa Chepeconde, Playa El Colorado and Playa Chilca among others.

The mayor of San Antonio, Juan Malásquez Jara, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of this work, highlighting that the viewpoint is a symbol of the joint efforts between the community and the authorities mentioning that San Antonio consolidated itself as a district of faith and love.

This viewpoint is an important spiritual meeting space and an engine of tourism and economic development in the region and an invitation for people to visit the complex and enjoy the beauty of the district.

The Regional Governor of Lima, Rosa Vásquez Cuadrado, stressed the importance of working in an articulated manner to execute works that directly benefit the population.

The Vice President of Corporate Affairs of the San Ignacio de Loyola University, Luis Torres Paz highlighted the positive impact of the work in the region and its potential to position the district as a tourist destination of excellence.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/inauguran-imponente-mirador-turistico-en-san-antonio/